key term - Collective bargaining

Definition

Collective bargaining is the process through which employers and a group of employees, usually represented by a union, negotiate the terms of employment, including wages, working conditions, and benefits. This process is essential for workers as it empowers them to have a collective voice, leading to improved labor standards and conditions. It plays a crucial role in labor movements by addressing the balance of power between workers and employers, as well as influencing civil rights legislation by promoting fair treatment in the workplace.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Collective bargaining was recognized as a legal right for workers in the United States with the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, which encouraged the formation of unions.
2. In California, collective bargaining has led to significant improvements in worker rights, such as increased minimum wage laws and better health and safety standards.
3. Effective collective bargaining can result in legally binding contracts known as collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), which outline the terms negotiated between workers and employers.
4. The presence of strong labor unions in California has historically played a vital role in advancing collective bargaining efforts and influencing labor legislation.
5. Collective bargaining not only impacts wages and working conditions but also serves as a critical mechanism for addressing broader issues of equity and discrimination in the workplace.

Review Questions

• How does collective bargaining empower workers in negotiating with employers?
  • Collective bargaining empowers workers by providing them with a unified voice through their union representatives, allowing them to negotiate terms like wages and working conditions on equal footing with employers. This collective strength contrasts with individual negotiations, where workers may feel intimidated or powerless. By banding together, employees can leverage their numbers to push for better conditions that might not be achievable alone.
• What role did collective bargaining play in shaping labor movements and improving working conditions in California?
  • Collective bargaining has been instrumental in shaping labor movements in California by enabling workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. As labor unions gained strength, they utilized collective bargaining to advocate for significant changes like the establishment of minimum wage laws and improved safety regulations. These negotiations not only transformed workplaces but also set precedents that inspired similar movements across the nation.
• Evaluate the impact of collective bargaining on civil rights legislation in California and how it reflects broader social changes.
  • The impact of collective bargaining on civil rights legislation in California is profound, as it has helped address workplace inequities and promote fair treatment for all employees. Through successful negotiations, unions have advocated for policies that protect against discrimination based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. This alignment of labor rights with civil rights reflects broader social changes that prioritize equity and justice, emphasizing that workplace rights are an essential part of human rights.

Related terms

Labor Union: An organized group of workers that come together to make decisions about the work environment and advocate for better wages and working conditions.

Negotiation: The discussion aimed at reaching an agreement between two or more parties, often used in the context of collective bargaining to settle labor disputes.

Strikes: A work stoppage initiated by employees to protest against their employer, often used as a last resort during failed negotiations in collective bargaining.